Chuck for capping machines



May 1, 1962 G. H. DIMOND 3,031,822

CHUCK FOR CAPPING MACHINES Filed Feb. 2l, 1961 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR George 'l". Dimona( ATTORNEY May l, 1962 G. H. DlMoND 3,031,822

CHUCK FOR CAPPING MACHINES Filed Feb. 2l, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 37 5, :139 INVENTOR 40 7 730 Geoflgiejf z'monc( MKM VATTORNEY May 1, 1962 G. H.DlMoND 3,031,822

CHUCK FOR CAPPING MACHINES Filed Feb. 2l, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR@6021961 Dr'wvonq/ BY m ATTORNEY May l,

Filed Feb. 2l, 1961 85. :f 77:7/` 779i go 777 7 5 775 73 .l In

G. H. DIMOND CHUCK FOR CAPPING MACHINES 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORATTORNEY May 1 1962 G. H. DxMoND 3,031,822

CHUCK FOR CAPPING MACHINES Filed Feb, 2l, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 5.

INVENTOR George jf. @iT/md ATTORNEY @Elite 193,822 fatenteci May l, 1352NX., a corporation of New York Filed Feb. 2l, 196i, Ser. No. 96,710 17Claims. (Cl. S3--37} This invention relates to closure-applyingapparatus and more particularly to such apparatus which is adapted toplace screw-type closure elements on successive containers presentedtherebeneath.

Closure-applying apparatus of the type to which the present invention isdirected, while of general application, is particularly suited for usewith a capping machine having a rotating turret to which the bottles,cans or other containers to be closed are sequentially advanced. Theapparatus customarily is supported adjacent the periphery of the turretand is reciprocally movable with respect thereto by suitable means, suchas a cylindrical cam, for example, mounted on the machine. The machinealso includes means for rotating the closure-applying apparatus aboutits axis, so that, as a screw-type container cap or other closureelement gripped by the apparatus engages a container presentedtherebeneath, it Vis screwed in piace. For a more detailed discussion ofrepresentative capping machines useful in connection with the invention,reference may be had, for example, to Patent 2,076,631, issued April i3,1937, to H. E. Gantzer.

Heretofore, closure-applying apparatus previously employed for thispurpose have exhibited several disadvantages. For example, it frequentlyis desirable to apply each closure element to the correspondingcontainer with a predetermined degree of tightness, and many suchprevious apparatus have proved deficient in this respect. Additionally,difculties heretofore were encountered in insuring proper alignmentbetween successive containers and their closure elements during theelement applying operation. Furthermore, in apparatus of the typeheretofore employed, the gripping and release of the closure elements atthe appropriate points in the operation cycle often was not effectedwith a satisfactory degree of accuracy and reliability.

One general object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a new andimproved closure-applying apparatus which is particularly adaptable forplacing a screw-type closure element on a container presentedtherebeneath.

More specically, it is an object of this invention to provide suchapparatus which is adapted to apply the closure element to the containerwith a predetermined degree of tightness.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus of thecharacter indicated which insures proper alignment between the closureelement and its corresponding container as the element is appliedthereto.

A further object of this invention is to provide a closure-applyingapparatus of the foregoing type in which the closure element ispositively gripped and atiirmatively released at particular points inthe operation cycle.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a closure-applyingapparatus utilizing comparatively simple mechanical elements, whichapparatus is economical to manufacture and thoroughly reliable inoperation.

In one illustrative embodiment of this invention, there is provided anapparatus for applying a screw-type closure element to a container whichincludes a rotary, vertically reciprocable hollow spindle which isdisposed above the container in substantial alignment therewith. Anelongated sleeve is carried within the spindle and is provided at itslower end with jaw means for receiving the closure element. Surroundingthe sleeve is an elongated coil spring which is aiiixed at one end tothe sleeve and at the other end to a coupling `assembly secured to ythespindle.` This assembly serves to holdthe spindle and sleeve togetherbut permits relative movement therebetween. The coil spring is arrangedto control the operation of the jaw means as well as to perform variousother functions in the operation cycle in a manner such that, as therotating spindle reciprocates, the jaw means y'firmly grasps the closureelement, applies it to the `container and thereafter releases theelement.

In accordance with one feature of the invention, the coil spring ispretorsioned and permits relative rotary movement between the jaw meansand the spindle upon the application of the closure element to the'container with a predetermined degree of tightness. During this relativerotary movement, the spring operates the jaw means to release theclosure clement and thereby cornplete the closure-applying operation. Inaddition, in certain particularly advantageous ernhodiments,'the torsionin the spring is adjustable in a rapid and straightforward manner tovary the tightness between successive closure elements and theircontainers.

in accordance with another feature of the invention, in certainembodiments,`the configuration and arrangement of the coupling assemblyis such that the sleeve and jaw means, while being movable as a unitboth laterally as well as axially with respect to the spindle, tend toseek the axial center thereof. As a result, the closure element andcontainer are accurately aligned during the element-applying operation.f

In accordance with'a further feature of the invention, in certaingoodembodiments'the jaw means airmatively releases those closureelements which are properly applied to the corresponding Vcontainers'but continues tograsp closure elements not screwed down onto theircontainers.

These latter elements aredischarged from`the 'jawmeans at a later pointin theoperation cycle. The present invention as well as further objectsand features thereof will be understood more clearly 'and fully from thefollowing description of a preferred em'- bodiment thereof, when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE `1 is anelevational view of an apparatus for applying closure elements tocontainers in' accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention,"to'gether `with cooperating components of a representativecapping machine useful therewith; FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional Viewof the apparatus; FIGURE 3 is a vertical'sectio'nal View similar tovFIG- URE 2 but `showing certain parts in'dierent relative positions;FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view, partially in section and partially inelevatiomof a portionof ,the apparatus in the position shown in FIGURE3; i FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in FIGURE 3;i

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6 -6 in FIGURE 3; A

FIGURE 7 is a view, partially in section and partially in elevation,generally similar to FIGURE 3 but with certain parts shown in stillother relative positions;

FIGURE 8l is a sectional view taken along .the line s-s in FIGURE 7; i

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary view similar to FIGURE 4 but showing a portionofthe apparatus in its FIGURE 7 position;` FIGURE l0 is a view ingeneral similar to FIGURE 7 but showing certain parts'of theV apparatusin still vfurther relative positions; FIGURE ll is a fragmentary viewsimilar to FIGURES 3 4 and 9 but showing a portion of the apparatus inits FIGURE 110 position;

FIGURE 12 is a sectional view taken in general along the line 12-12 inFIGURE 10, with certain parts omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIGURE 13 is a sectional view taken along the line 13-13 in FIGURE l0,with certain parts omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIGURE 14 is a sectional view also taken along the line 13-13 in FIGURE10, with certain-parts omitted and other shown in different relativepositions;

FIGURE l is a View in general similar to FIGURE l() but with certainparts shown in still other relative positions and also showing arepresentative closure element as it is discarded from the apparatus incases in which there is no corresponding container therefor; and

FIGURE 16 is an elevational View of a portion of the apparatus.

Referring initially to FIGURES 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown aclosure-applying apparatus comprising a capping chuck 20 which issupported at the lower end of a vertically disposed hollow spindle 21 bymeans of a coupling mechanism 22. The spindle 2 is reciprocably movablealong its axis in suitable bearings, such as the hearing 23, carried bya pair of spindle plates 24, only one of which is visible in thedrawings. As will be understood, these spindle plates form a part of theturret of a capping machine (not shown herein but illustrated, forexample, in the aforementioned Gantzer Patent 2,076,631) and constantlyrotate therewith. The reciprocable motion of the spindle 2l iscontrolled by a cylindrical lower cam 26 which is concentric with themachine turret and is operatively engaged by a roller follower 28mounted on the spindle. If desired, an upper, holding cam 27 may bespaced above a portion of the lower cam 26 and spring-biased downwardlyinto engagement with the follower 28. The cam 26 is suitably preventedfrom rotational movement, so that .the `follower 28 and attached spindle21 move upwardly and downwardly along the spindle axis as the spindleplates rotate. In addition, the spindle is constantly rotated about itsaxis as it moves around the turret by a stationary spur gear 29 mountedthereon and a meshing spur gear 30 axed to the spindle above thefollower 28.

The capping chuck 29 includes an elongated sleeve 35 which extendsupwardly into the spindle 21. The sleeve 35 is maintained insubstantially coaxial relationship with the spindle 21 by the couplingmechanism 22 'but is movable both axially and laterally with respectthereto, for

purposes that will become more fully apparent hereafter. u

The lower portion of the sleeve protrudes beneath the spindle `and isared at its lower end to formt a horizontal annular disc 36. As bestshown in FIGURES 1 and 6, three chuck jaws 37, 38 and 39 surround thedisc 35 and extend downwardly therefrom in position to receive acontainer cap 40 or other closure element located therebeneath. Each ofthese jaws is provided with an arcuate groove 42 (FIGURE 3) adjacent itsupper portion which accommodates the peripheral edge of the disc 36 andpermits pivotal movement of the jaw between a closed position (theposition shown in FIGURES 3 and 6) and an open position (the positionshown in FIGURES 1,l 2, 10, and 16). In the jaw-closed position ofFIGURES 3 and 6, the lower portion of each jaw is in grasping engagementwith the cap 40,l while upon movement of the jaws to their open positionthey pivot outwardly about the'edge of disc 36 to release the cap.Particularly in cases in which the caps are fabricated from a plastic orother relatively fragile material, each of the jaws 37, 38 and 39advantageously includes an arcuate, cap-engaging portion 44 adjacent itslower end which is made of a relatively resilient material such asrubber. In addition, each jaw is provided with an integrally formedprojection 45 thereon which extends in an inward direction and, lin thejaw-closed position, rests on the-top of the cap 40. To prevent the jawsfrom rotating relative to the disc 36 abouts its axis, each jaw includesa pin 46 extending inwardly into a mating recess in the disc periphery.Axially positioned within the lower portion of the sleeve 35 is astripper rod 5i) having an enlarged, beveled foot 51 at its lower endwhich is disposed beneath the annular sleeve Vdisc 36. The diameter ofthe foot 51 is slightly greater than that of the space between the jawprojections 45 when the jaws 37, 38 and 39 are in their closed position,so that, upon downward movement of the foot relative to the jaws, thebeveled portion of the foot engages these projections and urges the jawsoutwardly toward their open position. The stripper rod 50 is supportedby a transverse pin 52 adjacent the upper end thereof which extendsoutwardly on either side of the rod through two oppositely disposedapertures 54 and 55 in the sleeve 35. These apertures are axiallyelongated to permit vertical, reciprocable movement of the rod and itsattached foot 51 with respect to the sleeve 35. The ends of the pin 52extend through the apertures 54 and 55 and, in the position shown inFIGURE 2, rest on the upper surface of a bell-shaped member 57. hemember 57 surrounds the jaws 37, 38 and 39 and is prevented fromrotational movement with respect thereto by a stud 58 (FIGURE 6). Thebell-shaped member includes an axial aperture 59 through which thesleeve 35 slidably extends. The inside diameter of member 57 is suchthat, in its lowermost position relative to the jaws 37, 38 and 359 (theposition shown in FIGURE 3), an internal, forty-tive degree chamfer 62on member 57 engages a corresponding external chamfer 63 on the lowerportion of each of these jaws to hold them closed.

Extending upwardly from the bell-shaped member 57 is an integrallyformed hub 65. This hub is disposed around the axial aperture 59 but isof a slightly greater inside diameter to provide clearance for thestripper rod pin 52. As best shown in FIGURES 4, 5 and 8, portions ofthe hub 65 are cut away on opposite sides to form a first pair ofstepped ledges 66 and 67 and a second pair of stepped ledges 66a and67a. ,The ledges 66 and 66a extend horizontally adjacent the lowerportion of the hub 65, while the ledges 67 and 67a similarly extend in ahorizontal plane and are spaced above and immediately adjacent theircorresponding ledges 66 and 56a. ln the position shown in FIGURE 4, alug 78 rests on the ledge 67, while a lug 7tlfz rests on the ledge 67a.These lugs extend outwardly on opposite sides of a sleeve 7l. and areintegrally formed therewith. The sleeve 7l is slidably and rotatablydisposed around the chuck sleeve 35 adjacent the pin 52 for the stripperrod 5@ and includes a pair of oppositely disposed saddle notchesv '72and 73 in its lower surface which accommodate this pin.

Surrounding the sleeve 7l and extending upwardly therefrom around thechuck sleeve 3S is a coupling member 75. The member 75 is substantiallyin the form of a hollow cylinder but, as best shown in FIGURE 16, isprovided with a series of radial, outwardly projecting bayonet lugs 77which are equally spaced immediately above the lower periphery thereof.Each of these lugs includes an under surface 78 extending upwardly frommember '75 at an angle with respect to the horizontal. An adjustable setscrew 76 serves to maintain the coupling member in fixed relationshipwith the sleeve 71.

One end of an elongated coil spring St) is mounted in a mating slot inthe coupling member 75 immediately above the bayonet lugs 77. Thisspring is disposed around member 75 and the chuck sleeve 35 and issimilarly secured at its opposite, upper end to a cap member 8l xedlysecured to the upper end of the sleeve 35. The spring 88 isprecompressed to urge the chuck sleeve, the jaws 37, 38 and 39 and thebell-shaped member 57 upwardly relative to the coupling member 75 andthe sleeve-71 and is'also pretorsioned in a direction to urge the chucksleeve, jaws and bell-shaped member in a clockwise directiomas yviewedin FIGURE 5 (therdirection of rotation of the spindle 21) relative tothe coupling member and the sleeve 71. These relative motions normallyare prevented by the engagement between the lugs 7d and 70a and one orthe other pair of corresponding ledges 66 and 65a or 67 and 67a. lnaddition, with the jaws 37, 3d and 39 open and the lugs 70 and a on theupperA ledges 67 and 67a., the compression in the spring Si) biases thejaws upwardly relative to the bell-shaped mernber 57 to urge the jawstoward their closed position, for purposes that will become more fullyapparent hereafter. As indicated heretofore, the coupling mechanism 22serves to interconnect the spindle 21 with the capping chuck 2i). Themechanism 22 includes a hub d5 which is internally threaded toaccommodate external threads S6 on the lowermost portion of the spindleand thereby,l

maintain the hub and spindle in iixed relationship with each other.Disposed around the hub 85 and extending downwardly therefrom is acoupling coliar im which is provided with an annular groove 91 in theupper portion of the inner cylindrical surface thereof. A spiitretaining ring 92 is positioned in the groove di and is spring biasedoutwardly for retention in the groove. The ring 92 rests on the uppersurrace of the hub 8S.

An arcuate groove g3 (FIGURE l2) is cut into the outer cylindricalsurface of the hub S5. This groove extends around the hub periphery forapproximately one hundred and forty-tive degrees and accommodates a coilspring 29. One end of the spring 99 butts against one end or" thegroove, while the other spring end is in contact with a pin iil) whichextends into the groove 98 from the coupling collar 90, With thisarrangement, the spring 9S? tends to move the pin 19d and the collar 9@in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FGURE l2, relative to thehub 85. This relative movement is limited by a stud 132 which extendsoutwardly from the hub 85 and includes a head portion 163 disposed in ahorizontally elongated slot 104 in the collar 90.

The inner cylindrical surface of the collar 90 is provided with anannular groove 110 (FIGURE l0) which is substantially wider than thering groove 91 and is spaced therebeneath. A iioating ring 111 isloosely positioned in the groove il@ and has an outside diameter whichis less than the diameter of groove lit) to permit the ring to movelaterally with respect to the collar 9i) and the hub S5. The ring 111 isprevented from rotating relative to the hub S5 by pins4 1M which areiixedly secured to the hub and extend downwardly therefrom into matingnotches M3 (FIGURES 13 and 14) in the upper surface of the ring.

The lower portion of the coupling collar 9i) includes a series ofinwardly extending bayonet lugs H5 which are spaced apart around theperiphery thereof to define keyways 1i6 therebetween. rl`he uppersurface 13S of each of the lugs H5 extends downwardly from the collar 9dat an angle with respect to the horizontal. The lugs 115 correspond withthe bayonet lugs 77 on the coupling member 75, and in the operativeposition of the apparatus (the position shown in FlGURE 13, forexample), the lower surfaces 78 of the lugs 77 are oriented above theupper surfaces `118 of the lugs `115 to prevent the chuck assembly Z5from dropping from beneath the coupling mechanism 22. In this position,the lugs 77 are prevented from rotating Vrelative to the lugs 115 by apair of oppositely disposed lugs 12% and 1'21 which extend betweenadjacent lugs 77. The lugs 120 and R21 are lixedly secured to the innercylindrical surface of the floating ring 111 and are angularly spacedninety degrees from the oppositely disposed pins 112. With thisarrangement, the chuck is movable in an axial direction with respect tothe spindle 21 between a lowermost relative position with the lugs 77resting on the lugs '1i-5 and an upper relative position with the lugs77 in engagement with the lower surface of the hub 85. The chuck 2Gyalso is movable laterally with respect to the spindle 21 as a result ofvthe floating ring 111.

During the capping operation, the spindle 2l. is constantly rotated bythe spur gears 29 and 3d about its axis, to similarly rotate thecoupling mechanism 22 and the capping chuck 2d. As a result of theangularly extending surraces 7S and 11:8 on the bayonet lugs 77 and i',respectively, the rotating chuck 29 tends to seek the axis of thespindle 21 and is thus normally maintained in vertical alignmenttherewith. At the start of the operation cycle, the apparatus is in theposition shown in FGURES 1 and 2, with the lugs 77' resting on the lugstit?. in this position, the pin 52 for the stripper rod 5@ rests on theupper surface of the bell-shaped member 57, Vand the lugs 7i) and 'ia(FIGURES 4 and 5) on the sleeve 71 rest on the upper ledges 67 and 67aof the hub 65. in addition, the foot 51 at the lower end of the stripperrod is positioned between the chuck jaws 37, 38 and 39 to hold thesejaws in their open position against the compression in the coil springSi).

As indicated heretofore, the rotating spindle 21, the coupling mechanism22 and the chuck 2d also verticaily reciprocate as a result of theaction of the cam 26 (FlG- URE l) and the follower 28. The spindle,coupling mechanism and chuck move relative to an axially stationary rodwhich extends upwardly from within the chuck sleeve 35 and is atiixed atits upper end to a turret top plate 126, as by a nut 127. As the chuck2) moves downwardly to its FlGURE 2 position, the foot 51 at the lowerend of the stripper rod 59 engages the upper surface of the containercap 4G therebeneath, thus arresting further downward movement of thestripper rod. The remaining parts of the chuck continue their downwardmovement for a short distance, and the inwardly extending projections i5on thechuck jaws 37, 38 and 39 move beneath the foot 5i. The compressionin the coil spring d@ thereupon urges the sleeve 35 and the attachedjaws in an upward direction relative to the coupling member 75, thesleeve 7i, the lugs 70 and 70a and the bell-shaped member 57, and theinternal charnfer 62 on the member 57 engages the external charnfers d3on the jaws 37, 38 and 39 and, by asort of collet action, urges thesejaws to their closed (FEGURE 3) position to firmly grasp the cap si?therebetween.

After the Vcontainer cap ,40 is picked up by the chuck jaws 37, 3S and39, the apparatus moves downwardly toward a container 13@ positionedtherebeneath, and the cap 40 engages the threaded upper end thereof. Thespindle 21 and the attached coupling mechanism 22 continue to movedownwardly a short distance, with the result that the bayonet lugs 11SVof mechanism 22 become spaced beneath the bayonet lugs 77. At this timein the operation cycle, the various parts of the apparatus are in thepositions shown in FIGURES 3-6. The container 139 is suitably preventedfrom rotary movement (by means not shown but illustrated, for example,in the aforementioned Gantzer Patent 2,076,631), while as indicatedheretofore, the spindle 21 is constantly rotated about its axis tosimilarly rotate the coupling mechanism 22, the member 75, the coilspring 80, the sleeve 35, the attached jaws 37, 38 and 39 and the capd!) gripped thereby. These components rotate in a clockwise direction,as viewed in FiGURES 5 and 6, to screw the cap onto the container. Thebell-shaped member 57 likewise rotates in this direction, and thetorsion in the coil spring 30 urges the hub 65 of member 57 clockwiserelative to the lugs 70 and 70a on the sleeve 71 to maintain these lugson their corresponding upper ledges 67 and 67a.

As the container cap di) is tightened onto the container 134), theresistance to rotation of the chuck jaws 37, 3S and 39 increases. Duringthe initial portion of the cap-applying operation, this resistance isovercome by the torsion in the spring ,80, and the jaws continue torotate to screw the cap in place. At the time the cap 40 is applied tothe container with a predetermined degree of tightness, depending uponthe amount of torsion in the spring Si?, the rotational movement of thecap 4i), the jaws 37, 3S and 39, the sleeve 35 and the bell-shapedmemberr57 is arrested. The spindle 2i, the coupling mechanism 22, themember 75, the sleeve 7i and the lugs iti and 7de thereon, however,continue to rotate in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 5,against the torsion in the spring Si?, and these lugs move off theircorresponding ledges 67 and 67a and rotate to positions above the ledges66 and 65a to thereby permit relative vertical movement between thelugs, the sleeve 71 and the coupling member '75 on the one hand and theledges and the bell-shaped member 57 on the other. The axial expansivebias of the coil spring thereupon urges the sleeve '71 and the member 75downwardly toward the positions shown in FIGURES 7 and 9 until thebayonet lugs 77 on member '75 engage the bayonet lugs IIS on the collar90. Substantially simultaneously with the termination of this downwardmovement, the lower surface of the sleeve 71 contacts the stripper rodpin 52 to hold the foot 51 in approximately the same position as thatshown in FIGURE 3. At this time in the operation cycle, the lugs 70 and79a are oriented at a level intermediate their corresponding ledges 66and 66a and 57 and 67a, as best shown in FIGURE 9. Immediatelythereafter, the continuing expansion of the spring t? urges the sleeve35, the disc 36, the chuck jaws 37, 3@ and 39 and the bell-shaped member57 upwardly until the lugs 7i) and 7tia engage the ledges 66 and da. Asthe jaws move upwardly past the now axially stationary foot 5l, the jawprojections 45 bear against the foot to rapidly move the jaws outwardlyto their open position and thereby release the cap itl on the container139. As the jaws open, the chamfers 63 thereon in engagement with thechamfer 62 on the bell-shaped member 57 urge the bell-shaped member inan upward direction relative to the stripper rod Sti by a reversal ofthe coilet action referred to heretofore. This inverse collet actioncontinues until the upward motion of the ledges 66 and 66a is arrestedby the lugs 'iti and 76a, at which time the chamfer 62 is oriented abovethe chamfers 63 and the jaws are in their fully-open (FIGURE l0)position and have released the applied cap. The release of the cap takesplace independently of the cam 26, which dwells at this point to permitthe cap to be released at the desired time solely under the control ofthe coil spring Si).

Thereafter, the stationary cam 26 (FIGURE l) and the follower 23 on thespindle 2i move this spindle, the coupling mechanism Z2 and the cappingchuck 26 in an upward direction away from the capped container 3t.During vthis upward movement, the stripper rod Si) engages the axiallystationary rod 125 to prevent further upward movement of rod Sil and theattached `foot Si. Immediately thereafter, the upward motion of thebellshaped member 57 'and the ledges on the hub 65 .is arrested by thestripper rod pin 52, which at this time engages the upper surface of thebell-shaped member, and the member 57 prevents further upward movementof the jaws 37, 38 and 39 and the sleeve 35. The spindle 2l, thecoupling mechanism 22, the member 75, the sleeve 71 and the lugs '70 and70a thereon, however, continue to move upwardly a short distance againstthe axial expansive bias in the coil spring 80 until the lugs 7d and'70a are carried to the level of the upper ledges 67 and 67a. T hetorsion in the spring Sti then rotates the sleeve 3S, the disc 36, thejaws 317, 38 and 39, the bell-shaped member 57 and the hub 65 in aclockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 8, relative to the sleeve 7l toposition the ledges 67 and `67u under the corresponding lugs 70 and 70aand thus condition the chuck 2% for the receipt of a succeedingcontainer cap and the application thereof to a corresponding container.The relative positions of the various components of the conditionedchuck are best shown in FIGURE l5.

The arrangement is such that each time the stripper foot 51 engagesacontainer cap upon downward movement of the chuck 20, the jaws 37, 38and 39 automatioally close under the control of the coil spring S0 tofirmly grip the cap. The thus gripped cap is then moved into position`to be applied to a corresponding container. Should a particularcontainer be properly located beneath the cap, the chuck `2;@ screws thecap in place with a predetermined degree of tightness, and the jaws 37,38 and '39 automatically move to their open position by reason of thecoil spring S0 to release the thus applied cap.

In cases in which no container is located beneath the chuck 2t? as itdescends, the jaws 3-7, 33 and 39 remain closed and continue t-o gripthe cap until such time las the chuck approaches its uppermost (FIGUREl5) position. At this time, the upwardly moving stripper rod 50 isengaged by the axially stationary rod `to prevent further upwardmovement of the foot 51. The jaws 37, 38 and 39 continue to carry thecap upwardly, and the foot 51 engages the jaw projections 45' to urgethe jaws to their open position, lthereby releasing the cap. Should thecap remain between the jaws, the foot 51 contacts the upper cap surfaceto atiirmatively eject the cap from the chuck.

The extent to which the coil spring 30 is pretorsioned, and hence thedegree of tightness with which the container caps are applied to thecorresponding containers, is readily adjustable in a rapid andstraightforward manner. To accomplish this adjustment, the variouscomponent parts of |the apparatus are moved to the relative positionsshown in FIGURE l0, and a suitable tool, such as an Allen wrench 35,Afor example, shown schematically in FiiGURE l() by dotted lines, isinserted .through one of a plurality of radially extending openings 136in the coupling collar 9d to loosen the set screw 76 and thereby permitrelative rotational movement between 4the sleeve 71 and the couplingmember 75. Upon loosening this set screw, it i's desir-able to grasp thebell-shaped member `57 and the collar 90 to prevent the spring Sti fromrunning down. In cases in which the caps are to be applied relativelyloosely to 'their containers, -the bellshaped member 57 is rotatedrelative to the collar 90 in the direction indicated by vthe Low arrowhead 140 (FIGURE l) to similarly rotate `the stepped ledges on the hub65, the lugs '7d and 70a, the sleeve 71, the chuck sieeve 35 andtheupper end of the spring 80 and thereby reduce the spring torsion. Theset screw 76 is then tightened to hold the sleeve 7l in its newposition. Should it be desired to increase the torsion in the spring Sti`and thereby increase the degree of tightness between the caps and theircontainers, the bell-shaped member 57 is rotated relative to the collar96 in the direction of the high arrow head E41, and the screw 76 isthereafter tightened to maintain this increased torsion in the spring.

As the rotating chuck 20 applies a particular cap to its container, thethus adjusted spring Si) opposes the resistance to rotation of the capto a greater or lesser eX- tent, as the case may be, and the lugs 70 and70a move oit their upper ledges 67 and 67a to open the jaws 37, 38 and39 at a correspondingly later or earlier point in the operation cycle torelease the cap when it is screwed onto the container with the selecteddegree of tightness. With this arrangement, the apparatus is adjustableto permit a wide variation in the tightness with which successive capsare applied to their containers.

As indicated heretofore, the coupling mechanism 22 permits verticalmovement of the chuck 20 with respect to the spindle 21 and also enableslateral movement of the chuck relative [to the spindle by reason of theoating ring 111. This arrangement is particularly advantageous insituations in which the containers being capped vary slightly in size orin their orientation relative to the spindle. Thus, for example, shoulda particular container be somewhat greater in height than the containersi3@ shown inthe drawings, the downward motion of the chuck ZG isarrested as the cap gripped by the chuck assises jaws strikes thiscontainer, while the spindle 2l and the attached coupling mechanism 22continue to move downwardly until they reach their lowermost,cap-applying position. In cases in which a container is slightly out ofline with the descending spindle, the chuck moves in a lateral directionas the gripped cap strikes the container to properly align the captherewith. The elongated rod 125 is sufficiently limber to`accomnfiodate this lateral chuck movement.

To remove the capping chunk Zd from its spindle 2l, such as formaintenance purposes, to substitute a chuck of dill'erent dimensions toaccommodate ditlerent size caps, etc., the coupling collar 96' ismanually rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the spindle 2l andthe hub '855 from the position shown in FIGURE 13 (the Lock position) tothat shown in FGURE lli (the Drop position). This rotational movement isopposed by the coil spring $9 (FlGURE l2). The bayonet lugs 1lb' movewith the collar 9d, while the bayonet lugs 77 on the coupling member 75remain stationary as a result of the lugs l2@ and ll on the tloatingring lll. The rotation of the collar is arrested by the elongated collarslot lldl and the stud lllZ in the hub S5, at which time the bayonetlugs 77 are in vertical alignment with the keyways 116 between the lugsM5. The collar 90 is manually maintained in its Drop position, and thecomplete chuck assembly 'Ztl (FIGURE 16) is removed from the couplingmechanism 22 and the spindle 2l. An alternate chuck is then substitutedfor the chuck 2li and is secured in place by rotating the couplingcollar 9d in a counterclockwise direction relative to the spindle untilthe collar reaches its Lock position and is again arrested by the collarslot ldd and the stud lZ.

The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the useof such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of thefeatures shown and described, or portions thereof, it being recognizedthat various modifications are possible within the scope of theinvention claimed.

What is claimed is:

l. in an apparatus for applying a closure element to a container, thecombination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable spindle disposed abovesaid container in substantial vertical alignment therewith, meansincluding an elongated member carried by said spindle and rotatablymovable with respect thereto, jaw means mounted adjacent the lower endof said elongated member for receiving said closure element, a coilspring disposed around said elongated member and having one end securedthereto and the other end prevented from rotary movement with respect tosaid spindle, means for moving said spindle in a downward direction toposition the closure element received by said jaw means in engagementwith the container therebeneath, means for rotating said spindle, torotate said spring, said elongated member and said jaw means and therebyapply said closure element to said container, said spindle rotatingrelative to said elongated member and said jaw means against the torsionin said spring upon the application ot said closure element to saidcontainer with a predetermined degree of tightness, and means responsiveto said rotational, relative move- -ment `for releasing said closureelement Ifrom said jaw means.

2. ln an apparatus for applying a closure element to a container, thecombination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable spindle disposed abovesaid container in substantial vertical alignment therewith, meansincluding an elongated sleeve carried by said spindle and rotatablymovable with respect thereto, jaw means mounted adjacent the lower endof said sleeve for receiving said closure element, a pretorsioned coilspring disposed around said sleeve and having one end secured theretoand the other end in substantially Xed relationship with said spindle,

lll

means for vertically reciprocating said spindle, movement of saidspindle in a downward direction positioning the closure element receivedby said jaw means in engagement with the container therebeneath, meansfor rotating said spindle, to rotate said spring, said sleeve and saidjaw means and thereby apply said closure element to said container, saidspindle rotating relative to said sleeve and said jaw means against thetorsion in said spring upon the application of said closure element tosaid container with a predetermined degree of tightness, and meanscontrolled by said spring and responsive to said rotational, relativemovement for releasing said closure element from said jaw means.

3. In an apparatus for applying a closure element to a container, thecombination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable spindle disposed abovesaid container in substantial vertical alignment therewith, meansincluding an elongated member carried by said spindle and rotatablymovable with respect thereto, jaw means mounted adjacent the lower endof said elongated member for receiving said closure element, said jawmeans being movable between an open and a closed position, a coil springdisposed around said elongated member and having one end secured theretoand the other end prevented from rotary movement with respect to saidspindle, operating means controlled by said spring for moving said jawmeans between said positions, means for lowering said spindle toposition said jaw means in juxtaposition with said closure element, saidoperating means thereupon moving said jaw means from said open positionto said closed position to firmly grasp said closure element, and tothereafter position the gripped closure element in engagement with thecontainer therebeneath, and means for rotating said spindle, to rotatesaid spring, said elongated member and said jaw means and thereby applysaid gripped closure element to said container, said spin'- dle rotatingrelative to said elongated member and said jaw means against Vthetorsion in said sprin upon the application of said closure element tosaid container with a predetermined degree of tightness, said operatingmeans being responsive to said rotational, relative movement for movingsaid jaw means to said open position, to release said closure element.

4. ln an apparatus for applying a closure element to a container, thecombination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable spindle disposed abovesaid container in substantial vertical alignment therewith, meansincluding an elongated member carried by said spindle and rotatablymovable with respect thereto, jaw means mounted adjacent the lower endof said elongated member for receiving said closure element, said jawmeans being movable between an open and a closed position, a compressedand pretorsioned coil spring disposed around said elongated member andhaving one end secured thereto and the other end prevented from rotarymovement with respect to said spindle, operating means controlled by thecompression in said spring for moving said jaw means between said openposition and said closed position, means for vertically reciprocatingsaid spindle, movement of said spindle in a downward directionpositioning said jaw means in juxtaposition with said closure element,said operating means thereupon moving said jaw means from said openposition toward said closed position to firmly grip said closureelement, continued downward movement of said spindle positioning theclosure element gripped by said jaw means in engagement with thecontainer therebeneath, and moms for rotating said spindle, to rotatesaid spring, said elongated member and said jaw means and thereby applythe gripped closure element to said container, said spindle rotatingrelative to said elongated member and said jaw means against the torsionin said spring upon the application of said closure element to saidcontainer with a predetermined degree of tightness, said operating meansbeing responsive to said rotational, relative movement'for l l movingsaid jaw means to said open position, to release said closure element.

5. In an apparatus of the character set forth in claim 4, .incombination, means for varying the initial angular position of saidelongated member with respect to said spindle, to thereby adjust thetorsion in said spring and hence the degree of tightness with which saidclosure element is applied to said container.

6. In an apparatus for applying a closure element to a container, thecombination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable spindle disposed abovesaid container in substantial vertical alignment therewith, meansincluding an elongated sleeve carried by said spindle and reciprocablymovable with respect thereto, jaw means mounted adjacent .the lower endof said sleeve for receiving said closure element, said jaw means beingmovable between an open and a closed position, a compressed coil springdisposed around said sleeve and having one end secured thereto andthe'other end prevented from rotary movement with respect to saidspindle, the compression in said spring urging said sleeve and the jawmeans mounted thereon in an axial direction relative to said spindle tomove said jaw means toward said closed position and firmly grip theclosure element received thereby, means for moving said spindle in adownward direction to position the closure element gripped by said jawmeans in engagement with the container therebeneath, means for rotatingsaid spindle, to rotate said spring, said sleeve and said jaw means andthereby apply the gripped closure element to said container, and meanscontrolled by said spring and responsive to the application of saidclosure element to said container with a predetermined degree oftightness for moving said jaw means to said open position, to releasesaid closure element.

7. ln an apparatus for applying a closure element to a container, thecombination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable spindle disposed abovesaid container in substantial vertical alignment therewith, meansincluding an elongated sleeve carried by said spindle and reciprocablymovable with respect thereto, jaw means mounted adjacent the lower endof said sleeve for receiving said closure element, said jaw means beingmovable between an open and a closed position, a compressed coil springdisposed around said sleeve and having one end secured thereto and theother end in substantially xed relationship .with said spindle,operating means including a bell-shaped member surrounding said jawmeans for moving the same between said positionsy means for moving saidspindle in a downward direction -to position said jaw means injuxtaposition with said closure element, the compression in said springthereupon urging said sleeve and said jaw means in an upward directionrelative to said spindle and said bell-shaped member to move said jawmeans toward said closed position and firmly grip said closure element,and to thereafter position the gripped closure element in engagementwith the container therebeneath, and means for rotating said spindle, torotate said spring, said sleeve and said jaw means and thereby applysaid gripped closure element to said container, said operating meansbeing responsive to the application of said closure element to saidcontainer with a predetermined degree of tightness for moving said jawmeans to `said open position, to release said closure element.

8. In an apparatus for applying a closure element to a container, thecombination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable hollow spindle disposedabove said container in substantial vertical alignment therewith, anelongated sleeve reciprocably carried within said spindle and protrudingtherebeneath, jaw means supported at the lower end of said sleeve andmovable between an open and a closed position for receiving andreleasing said closure element, a bell-shaped member disposed aroundsaid jaw means including an opening through which said sleeve extends,coupling means secured to said spindle for maintaining said spindle andsaid sleeve in substantially co'- axial relationship with each other, acompressed coil spring disposed around said sleeve and athxed at one endthereto and at the other end to said coupling means, the compression insaid spring urging said sleeve and the jaw eans carried thereby in anupward direction relative to said coupling means and said bell-shapedmember to bias said jaw means toward said closed position, operatingmeans for moving said jaw means to said open position .gainst thecompression in said spring, means for vertically reciprocating saidspindle, movement of said spindle in a downward direction positioningsaid jaw means in juxtaposition with said closure element, thecompresson in said spring thereupon urging said sleeve and said jawmeans upwardly relative to said spindle and said bellshaped member tomove said jaw means to said closed position and thereby firmly grip saidclosure element, continued downward movement of said spindle positioningsaid gripped closure element in engagement with said container, andmeans for rotating said spindle, to similarly rotate said couplingmeans, said spring, said sleeve and said jaw means and thereby applysaid closure element to said container, said operating means beingeffective upon the application of said closure element to said containerwith a predetermined degree or tightness for moving said jaw means tosaid open position to thereby release said closure element.

9. ln an apparatus for applying a closure element to a container, thecombination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable hollow spindle disposedabove said container in substantial vertical alignment therewith, anelongated sleeve reciprocably carried within said spindle and protrudingtherebeneath, an axially movable member disposed within said sleeve invertically reciprocable relationship therewith, jaw means supported atthe lower end oi said sleeve and movable between an open and a closedposition for receiving and releasing said closure element, said jawmeans when in said open position being in engagement with said axiallymovable member and when in said closed position being orientedtherebeneath, a bellshaped member disposed around said jaw meansincludan opening through which said sleeve extends, coupling meanssecured to said spindle for maintaining said spindle and said sleeve insubstantially coaxial relationship with each other, a compressed coilspring surrounding said sleeve and nfilxed at one end to the upperportion thereof and at the other end to said coupling means, thecompression in said spring urging said sleeve and the jaw means carriedtherebf, in an upward direction relative to coupling means and saidbell-shaped member to bias said jaw means toward said closed position,means for positioning said axially movable member in engagement withsaid jaw means, to thereby move the same to said open position againstthe compression in said spring, means for vertically reciprocating saidspindle, movement of said spindle in a downward direction carrying saidaxially movable member into engagement with said closure element, saidjaw means thereafter moving beneath said axially movable member to saidclosed position to thereby rmly grip said closure element, continueddownward movement of said spindle positioning said gripped closureelement in engagement with said container, and means for constantlyrotating said spindle, to similarly rotate said coupling means, saidspring, said sleeve and said jaw means and thereby apply said closureelement to said container, the compression in said spring urging saidsleeve and said jaw means upwardly relative to said axially movablemember in response to the application of said closure element to saidcontainer with a predetermined degree of tightness, to move said jawmeans to said open position and thereby release said closure element.

l0. In an apparatus for applying .a screw-type closure element to acontainer, the combination of a rotary, ver- Vmeans 'for verticallytically reciprocable hollow spindle disposed above said container insubstantial vertical alignment therewith, an elongated sleevereciprocably carried within said spindle and protruding therebeneath,said sleeve including a vertically elongated aperture adjacent the lowerportion thereof, an element engaging member disposed within said sleevein vertically reciprocable relationship therewith and having a lateralextension thereon extending through said aperture, jaw means supportedat the lower end of said sleeve and movable between an open and a closedposition for receiving and re easing said closure element, said jawmeans when in said open position being in engagement with said elementengaging member and when in said closed position being orientedtherebeneath, a bell-shaped member disposed around said jaw meansincluding an opening through which said sleeve extends, coupling meanssecured to said spindle for maintaining said spindle and said sleeve insubstantially coaxial relationship with each other, a compressed coilspring disposed around said sleeve and aixed at one end to the upperportion thereof and at the other end to Said coupling means, thecompression in said spring urging said sleeve and the jaw means carriedthereby in an upward direction relative to said coupling means and saidbell-shaped member to normally maintain said jaw means in said closedposition, an elongated, axially stationary rod disposed within saidsleeve above said element-engaging member, means for verticallyreciprocating said spindle, movement of said spindle in an upwarddirection carrying said element engaging member into engagement withsaid elongated rod, continued upward movement of said spindle carryingsaid jaw means into engagement with said element engaging member to movesaid jaw means to said open position against the compression in saidspring, movement of said spindle in a downward direction carrying saidelement engaging member into engagement with said closure element, saidjaw means therealter moving beneath said engaging member to said closedposition to thereby rmly grip said closure element, continued downwardmovement of said spindle positioning said gripped closure element inengagement with said container, and means for constantly rotating saidspindle, to similarly rotate said coupling means, said spring, saidsleeve and said jaw means and thereby screw said closure element ontosaid container, the compression in said spring urging said sleeve andsaid jaw means upwardly relative to said element engaging member inresponse to the application of said closure element to said containerwith a predetermined degree of tightness, to' move said jaw means tosaid open position and thereby release said closure element.

ll. ln an apparatus for applying a closure element to a container, thecombination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable hollow spindle disposedabove said container in substantial vertical alignment therewith, anelongated sleeve rotatably carried within said spindle and protrudingtherebeneath, jaw means supported at the lower end of said sleeve andmovable between an open and a closed position for receiving andreleasing 'said closure element, a bell-shaped member disposed aroundsaid jaw means including an opstanding hub having an opening throughwhich said sleeve extends, a portion of said hub being cut away to dennea pair or" ledges thereon, coupling means secured to said spindle formaintaining said spindle and said sleeve in substantially coaxialrelationship with each other, said coupling means being provided with anoutwardly extending projection in engagement with one of said ledges, apretorsioned coil spring disposed around said sleeve and affixed at oneend thereto and at the other end to said coupling means, the torsion insaid spring `tending to rotate said sleeve, said jaw means and saidbe1lshaped member relative to said coupling means in a direction tomaintain said projection on said one ledge,

reciprocating Vsaid spindle, movement of said spindle in a downwarddirection carrying t said jaw means into engagement with said closureelement, means for thereafter moving said jaw means from said openposition to said closed position to rmly grip said closure element,continued downward movement of said spindle positioning said grippedclosure element in engagement with said container, means for constantlyrotating said spindle, to similarly rotate said coupling means, saidspring, said sleeve and said jaw means and thereby apply said closureelement onto said container, said spindle and said coupling meansrotating relative to said sleeve and said jaw means against the torsionin said spring upon the application of said closure element to saidcontainer with a predetermined degree of tightness, to move saidprojection off said one ledge and onto the other ledge, and meansresponsive to the movement of said projection onto said other ledge formoving said jaw means to said open position, to thereby release saidclosure element.

l2. ln an apparatus `for applying a screw-type closure element to acontainer, the combination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable hollowspindle disposed above said container in substantial vertical alignmenttherewith, an elongated sleeve reciprocably and rotatably carried withinsaid spindle and protruding there'beneath, an element engaging memberdisposed within said sleeve in vertically reciprocabie relationshiptherewith, jaw means supported at the lower' end of said sleeve andmovable between an open and a closed position for receiving andreleasing said closure element, said jaw means when in said openposition 'being in engagement with said element engaging member and whenin said closed position being oriented therebeneath, a bellshaped memberdisposed around said jaw means including an upstanding hub having anopening through which said sleeve extends, a portion of said hub beingcut away to define a pair of ledges thereon, means for preventingrelative rotary movement between said bell-shaped member and said jawmeans, coupling means secured to said spindle for maintaining saidspindle and said sleeve in substantially `coaxial relationship with eachother, said coupling means eing provided with an outwardly extendingprojection in engagement with one of said ledges,` a compressed andpretorsicned coil spring disposed around said sleeve and aiiixed at oneend to the upper portion thereof and at the other end to said couplingmeans, the compression in said spring urging said sleeve and the jawmeans carried ldiereby in an upward direction relative to said couplingmeans and said bell-shaped member to bias said jaw means toward saidclosed position, said element engaging member normally being positionedin engagement with said jaw means to hold the same in saidropenposition, the torsion in said spring tending to rotate said sleeve, saidjaw means and said bell-shaped member relative to said coupling means ina direction to maintain said projection on said one ledge, means forvertically reciprocating said spindle, movement of said spindle in adownward direction carrying said element engaging member into engagementwith said closure element, said jaw means thereupon moving beneath saidengaging member to said closed position to iirmly grip said closureelement, continued downward movement of said spindle positioning saidgripped closure element in engagement with said container, and means forconstantly rotating said spindle, to similarly rotate said couplingmeans, said spring, said sleeve and said jaw means and thereby screwsaid closure element onto said container, said spindle and said couplingmeans rotating relative to said sleeve and said iaw means against thetorsion in said spring upon the application of said closure `element tosaid container with a predetermined degree of tightness, to move saidprojection oil said one ledge and onto the other ledge, the compressionin said spring urging said sleeve and said 'jaw means upwardly relativeto said element engaging member as said projection move-s oil` said oneledge, to move said jaw means to said open position and thereby releasesaid closure element.

13. An apparatus of the character set forth in claim l2, in which saidoutwardly extending projection is rotatably movable with respect to saidspindle, relative rotary movement of said projection similarly rotatingsaid bell-shaped member, said jaw means and said sleeve to vary thetorsion in said spring and hence the degree of tightness with which saidclosure element is screwed onto said container.

14. An apparatus of the character set forth in claim l2, in which saidcoupling means includes means for maintaining said sleeve in detachablerelationship with said spindle.

l5. ln an apparatus for applying a screw-type closure element to acontainer, the combination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable hollowspindle disposed above said container in substantial vertical alignmenttherewith, an elongated sleeve reciprocably and rotatably carried withinsaid spindle and protruding therebeneath, an element engaging memberdisposed within said sleeve in vertically reciprocable relationshiptherewith, jaw means supported at the lower end of said sleeve andmovable between an open and a closed position for receiving andreleasing said closure element, said jaw means when in said openposition being in engagement with said element engaging member and whenin said closed position being oriented therebeneath, a bell-shapedmember disposed around said jaw means including an opstanding hub havingan opening through which said sleeve extends, a portion of said hubbeing cut away to define a pair of stepped ledges thereon, couplingmeans secured to said spindle for maintaining said spindle and saidsleeve in substantially coaxial relationship with each other, saidcoupling means being provided with an outwardly eX- tending projectionin engagement with one of said ledges, a compressed and pretorsionedcoil spring disposed around said sleeve and alixed at one end to theupper portion thereof and at the other end to said coupling means, thecompression in said spring urging said sleeve and the jaw means carriedthereby in an upward direction relative to said `coupling means and saidbell-shaped member to Ibias said jaw means toward said closed position,said element engaging member normally being positioned in engagementwith said jaw means to hold the same in said open position, the torsionin said spring tending to rotate said sleeve, said jaw means and saidbell-shaped member relative to said coupling means in a direction tomaintain said projection on said one ledge, an elongated, axiallystationary rod disposed within said sleeve above said element-engageablemember, means for vertically reciprocating said spindle, movement ofsaid spindle in an upward direction carrying said element engagingmember into engagement with said elongated rod, movement of said spindlein a downward direction carrying said element engaging member intoengagement with said closure element, said jaw means thereafter movingbeneath said engaging member to said closed position to thereby firmlygrip said closure element, continued downward movement of said spindlepositioning said gripped closure element in engagement with saidcontainer, and means for constantly rotating said spindle, to similarlyrotate said coupling means, said spring, said sleeve and said jam meansand thereby screw said closure element onto said container, said spindleand said coupling means rotating relative to said sleeve and said jawmeans against the torsion in said spring upon the application of saidclosure element to said container with a predetermined degree oftightness, to move said projection off said one ledge and onto the otherledge, the compression in said spring urging said sleeve and said jawmeans upwardly relative to said element engaging member as said prOjSC-tion moves off said one ledge, to move said jaw means to said openposition and thereby release said closure element.

16. An apparatus of the character set forth in claim l5, in which saidbell-shaped member maintains said jaw means in its said closed positionto continue to grip a closure element improperly applied to a containerupon the upward movement of said spindle, said jaw means moving to saidopen position to release the improperly applied closure element as theupward movement of said element engaging member is arrested by saidelongated rod.

17. In an apparatus for applying a screw-type closure element to acontainer, the combination of a rotary, vertically reciprocable hollowspindle disposed above said container in substantial vertical alignmenttherewith, an elongated sleeve reciprocably and rotatably carried withinsaid spindle and protruding therebeneath, said sleeve including avertically elongated aperture adjacent the lower portion thereof, anelement engaging member disposed within said sleeve in verticallyreciprocable relationship therewith and having a lateral extensionthereon extending through said aperture, jaw means supported at thelower end of said sleeve and movable between an open and a closedposition for receiving and releasing said closure element, said jawmeans when in said open position being in engagement with said elementengaging member and when in said closed position being orientedtberebeneath, a bell-shaped member disposed around said jaw meansincluding an. upstanding hub having an opening through which said sleeveextends, a portion of said hub being cut away to define a pair ofstepped ledges thereon, means for preventing relative rotary movementbetween said bell-shaped member and said jaw means, coupling meanssecured to said spindle for maintaining said spindle and said sleeve insubstantially coaxial relationship with each other but for permittingrelative axial and lateral movement therebetween, said coupling meansbeing provided with an outwardly extending projection in engagement withthe lower of said ledges, a compressed and pretorsioned coil springdisposed around said sleeve and airixed at one end to the upper portionthereof and at the other end to said coupling means, the compression insaid spring urging said sleeve and the jaw means carried thereby in anupward direction relative to said coupling means and said bell-shapedmember to normally maintain said jaw means in said closed position, thetorsion in said spring tending to rotate said sleeve, said jaw means andsaid belshaped member relative to said coupling means in a direction tourge said projection toward the upper of said ledges, an elongated,axially stationary rod disposed within said sleeve above saidelement-engageable member, means vfor vertically reciprocating saidspindle, movement of said spindle and said coupling means in an upwarddirection carrying said element engaging member into engagement withsaid elongated rod to arrest further upward movement of said engagingmember, continued upward movement of said spindle carrying said jawmeans into engagement with said element engaging member, to move saidjaw means to said open position against the compression in said spring,and carrying said bell-shaped member into engagement with the lateraleX- tension on said element engaging member to arrest further upwardmovement of said bell-shaped member and said sleeve, so that, as saidspindle and attached coupling means continue their upward movement, theprojection on said coupling means is urged onto said upper ledge by thetorsion in said spring, movement of said spindle in a downward directioncarrying said element engaging member into engagement with said closureelement, said jaw means thereafter moving beneath said engaging memberto said closed position to thereby firmly grip said closure element,continued downward movement of said spindle positioning said grippedclosure element in engagement with said container, and means forconstantly rotating said spindle, to similarly rotate said couplingmeans, said spring, said sleeve and said jaw means and thereby screwsaid closure 3,031,822 17 13 element onto said container, said spindleand said coupling sleeve and said jaw means upwardly relative to saidelemeans rotaiing relative to said sleeve and said jaw means mentengaging member aS Said PTOECOH moves Off Said against the torsion insaid spring upon the application of upper ledge, to Position SaidPrOieCiOr; 011 Said lpyvr said closure element to said container with apredeterledge and t0 move ad jaw means t0 Sald Open POSIUOU, mineddegree of tightness, to move said projection oi said 5 thereby releasmgsald Closure element' upper ledge, the compression in said spring urgingsaid No references cited.

